Too much fluoride from environmental sources (natural high water fluoride levels) or overuse of fluoride rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements

Home Care

Good oral hygiene will help if the teeth are stained from a food or fluid, or discolored due to poor cleaning.

Talk to your dentist about abnormal tooth color. However, if the color seems to be related to a medical condition, you should talk to your regular health care provider as well.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

Teeth appear to be an abnormal color without cause

Abnormal tooth color lasts, even after cleaning the teeth well

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The dentist will examine the teeth and ask questions about the symptoms. Questions may involve:

When the abnormal coloration began

Foods you have been eating

Medications you are taking

Personal and family health history

Exposure to fluoride

Oral care habits

Other symptoms you may have

Superficial and diet-related discoloration may be eliminated with proper hygienic treatment or teeth-whitening systems. More profound discoloration may need to be removed using fillings, veneers or crowns.

Testing may not be necessary in many cases. However, if the health care provider suspects the coloration may be related to a medical condition, testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.